Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

HB 184 creates a criminal deferral program for juveniles (under 18) charged with specific misdemeanors who have no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions. Instead of facing trial, eligible juveniles can be placed on probation for up to 18 months, requiring them to report to court twice yearly, follow law-abiding behavior, avoid leaving the state without permission, and pay restitution to victims. If they complete probation successfully, charges are dismissed without a conviction. Violating probation terms may lead to trial or transfer to juvenile court, but successful completion avoids formal criminal records.

HB 93 requires Wyoming courts to make most court records and audio/video recordings of proceedings available online for free, including documents like pleadings, evidence, and case details. Exceptions include juvenile cases, adoptions, sealed records, sexual assault cases, and sensitive materials like child pornography or bulky exhibits. Courts must also stream hearings live and maintain an online archive of recordings within seven days. The bill establishes a new fund to cover technology costs for implementing these changes.